Data Scientist

**Career Area**:Information Analytics**:
JOB PURPOSE: Caterpillar uses quantitative methods such as business simulations, data mining, modeling and advanced statistical techniques to solve problems. The Senior Information Scientist contributes to this mission by acting as the technical lead of analytics project teams tasked with solving problems of low to medium complexity or business impact. JOB RELATED STATISTICS
Volume:Participates on 4-6 projects per year
Financial impact:typically less than $500,000
Complexity:Moderate
Scope:spans across 1-2 functional areas within BU
Geographic scope:single region impact

JOB DUTIES:
Caterpillar uses quantitative techniques to solve problems. Typical problems include maximizing OPACC through improvements in Inventory Costs, Material Costs, NPI costs, etc; determining the principal drivers of health care costs; recommending the optimal supplier for a part; identifying sales, rental, and service opportunities for Caterpillar dealers; and developing simulation/optimization capabilities to model a new facility or product feature. In addition, analytics experts also provide assistance to high-profile enterprise-wide projects such as the Engineered Value Chain.

The principal responsibility of Senior Information Scientist is to move from being an individual contributor on analytic teams to acting as the technical lead on such teams. He or she will participate on cross-functional project teams, provide overall guidance to the technical direction of the project, and mentor Jr Information Scientists on the technical approaches being used in order to solve a problem presented by a Caterpillar Business Unit or Service Organization, a Caterpillar Dealer, or a Caterpillar Customer.

The Senior Information Scientist will:

- Participate on 3-4 projects concurrently
- Demonstrate thorough knowledge of Caterpillar Inc.; its products and services; its internal systems, processes, and procedures; and its relevant external influences (competitors, laws and regulations, market conditions, etc.) to meet or exceed customer expectations.
- Have a strong focus on continual learning in the Analytics field

Significant challenges of this position are working with people; enhancing the team’s creativity; maintaining knowledge of approaches used in similar projects; and pushing the technical bounds of experimentation while meeting customer commitments. The Senior Information Scientist acts as overall technical lead for the team in establishing a sound analytic approach for solving the problem at hand. The incumbent will develop good networks within the technical community to enable them to collaborate on technical solutions, obtain resources and cooperation needed, and remove roadblocks so that they can insure the success of their team.

The Senior Information Scientist reports to an Information and Analysis Supervisor and bears primary responsibility for solving the business problem presented through applied analytics.

The Senior Information Scientist demonstrates thorough statistical and/or digital technology knowledge and the ability to solve low to medium complexity problems. He or she demonstrates very good communication skills, being able to explain conclusions to customers with limited knowledge and experience with quantitative analytical methods. As the first Senior technical analytic position, they are not expected to have previous experience leading teams, but they should exhibit strong communications, a penchant for innovation, above average initiative, people development, and interpersonal skills. The incumbent should also have a comprehensive knowledge of Caterpillar Inc.; its products and services; its internal systems, processes, and procedures; and a general understanding of Caterpillar’s external customers, competitors, and market influencers.

BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in statistics, economics, mathematics, or a similar field with quantitative coursework, and 7-10 years of professional experience utilizing quantitative analysis is required, a Master’s degree and 4-6 years of experience, or a PhD and 1-3 years of experience in relevant experience. Must be comfortable working in MS Office, and industry standard statistics and data visualization packages. Must demonstrate strong leadership, initiative, interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively.

Relocation is available for this position.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO).

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